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The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:

Obama Loses Favor in Va., Could Hurt Deeds

State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds stands to raise a pile of cash and energize his party's base at his first joint appearance with President Obama on Thursday, but it's an open question whether it will do anything to help his faltering gubernatorial campaign. Mr. Obama, his popularity sagging amid doubts over his handing of health care and the economy, could be a liability for the Virginia Democratic candidate, according a poll published Wednesday. (Washington Times)

Police Deny Wrongdoing in Taser Baptism Incident

Prince William County police call the incident in which officers Tasered and arrested two at a baptism party in July ‘appropriate’ and ‘within policy.‘ At a noon press conference, Chief Charlie T. Deane justified the arrests of a grandfather and mother of two during the July 26 incident outside Manassas. Police were called to a home on Lafayette Avenue about 8 p.m. that night for a noise complaint. Family members said they were celebrating the baptisms of two toddlers. (InsideNoVa.com)

Police Find Fugitive Dog

The dog that attacked a 60-year-old woman Sunday and killed her pet Labrador has been found--in her own house. The dog belongs to the woman's son, Spotsylvania Sheriff's spokeswoman Liz Scott said. It is actually a pit bull and not a Rottweiler mix as reported by the victim, Sandra Manes. (Fredericksburg.com)

Some Questions Unanswered in Fenty Crash

There appears to be a contradiction in what happened during the minor car crash involving D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty over the weekend. D.C.'s attorney general says some questions remain unanswered. A police report, obtained by WTOP and first reported by the Washington Post, indicates Fenty's city-owned Lincoln Navigator was the striking vehicle in the accident on Broad Branch Road in Northwest Sunday evening. (WTOP)

DC Bar Owner Takes Neighborhood Kids to Beach

Every summer, the Duggans take dozens of neighborhood children to the Delaware shore, a generous impulse that in 13 years has become a tradition. The beach makes street-tough kids drop their defenses and act like children again, playing in the waves, reaching for a grown-up's hand. Bill Duggan stays in touch with many of them after they're too old to go with the big, chaotic group. (Washington Post)